Tom Watson Defends BBFC Ratings And Modern Warfare 3

Tom Watson probably deserves a trophy of some kind, or at least a cape. When he isn't bust busting the chops of Murdoch & Son, it would appear he finds time to champion video games, this time stepping up to defend Modern Warfare 3 against a broad complaint from the infamous Keith Vaz.

Vaz's complaint not only cries wolf at the unproven link between violent crime and violent video games, but he also asserts that the game is one 'in which players engage in gratuitous acts of violence against members of the public; notes in particular the harrowing scenes in which a London Underground train is bombed by terrorists, bearing a remarkable resemblance to the tragic events of 7 July 2005'.

It would be offensive if it weren't so speculative and full of holes. Mr. Watson offered up an amendment whereby he 'encourages the BBFC to uphold the opinion of the public that whilst the content of video games may be unsettling or upsetting to some, adults should be free to choose their own entertainment in the absence of legal issues or material which raises a risk or harm'.

Watson noted that the game didn't really resemble the 7/7 attacks and furthermore congratulated the game upon 'an excellent user interface' and offering up challenges that require dexterity and co-operative play.

'Keith, for many year, has been very critical of adult content in video games and he's homed in particularly on the Call Of Duty franchise,' said Watson, speaking in reference to this topic with The Guardian. [via @tom_watson]

'He's tabled a motion, about a week ago, condemning the game. I just amended it to make the point that the game has an 18 classification and that the BBFC said in a statement that it bore no resemblance to the July 7 bombings in London - which is what he refers to in his motion.

'There may be disturbing or unsettling content in that game, but adults should have the choice as to whether they want to play those sorts of games or not.'